The front glass, commonly known as a windshield, is an essential component of your vehicle. It protects you from external elements like wind, water, dust, debris, etc. Not only this, but a strong windshield can also protect you during a road accident. Hence, a windshield can also be considered a safety feature of a vehicle.
However, with such an important role to play, windshields are also very sensitive. Since they are made out of glass, they are vulnerable to damage. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your vehicle’s windshield. To do so, you will need some basic information on the same. Hence, we have compiled below all the necessary details that you need to know about windshields, types of damages, and repairs. Take a look!
Type of Glass Used as Windshields
Windshields are not made using any ordinary glass. Since the purpose of a windshield is also to protect you, the glass needs to be strong and more durable. Therefore, the experts use laminated safety glass for the same.
A laminated glass is made using polyvinyl butyral sandwiched between two sheets of glass. These three layers are then fixed into the window frame of your vehicle.
Laminated glass is preferred to make windshields because it is exceptionally resistant to severe impacts. The windshield gets its strength from the PVB layer applied in between the glass sheets. This substance holds the glass in place during extreme impacts and prevents it from shattering on the riders. However, specific impacts can still damage the laminated glass. Let’s learn more about them.
Common Types of Windshield Damages
Some common types of damages to be found on your vehicle’s windshield are:
Ding or chip
This type of damage is incurred when a tiny object, like road debris, hits the glass. A small piece of glass breaks away leaving cracks. These cracks can spread outward from the center of impact with time.
Bulls-eye and partial bulls-eye
These are circular and semi-circular cracks formed on the glass. You can identify them as surface-level cracks or chips. These are usually caused by circular objects.
Pit
This is a tiny crater-like patch that is created due to dust or sand particles. These particles hit the glass over time and form pits.
Edge crack
As the name suggests, an edge crack is formed at the perimeter of the windshield. It is usually within 3 inches of the edge and is caused by an impact on the area. Edge crack can spread with time and often requires a windshield replacement.
Stress crack
This is the only type of damage that does not occur due to an impact from any object. Stress cracks are usually the result of extreme temperature changes.
Dos and Don’ts During a Windshield Damage
A damaged windshield can be dangerous. Thus, you need to follow the given dos and don’ts in such a situation:
1. Dos
- Pull off the road as soon as you notice any damage on the windshield
- Try and remove the object that caused the damage
- Check if the damage isn’t obstructing your view and drive only when it’s safe
- Get the damage repaired as soon as possible, ignoring it can lead to bigger troubles
2. Don’ts
- Never try to fix the damage on your own
- Do not try DIY solutions or hacks to repair the cracks as they are only temporary
- Do not approach your auto mechanic for windshield repairs as they are not windshield experts
How to Know if a Windshield can be Repaired?
Certain types of damages can be fixed just by repairs from the experts. Let’s see which situations need windshield repairs:
1. Compromised visibility while driving
If the crack or the damage is in your line of view, then repairs are a must. Driving with a cracked windshield and compromised visibility can increase the risk of accidents. Also, some states can fine you for driving in this condition.
2. Size of the crack or chip
You can also determine the need for repair by evaluating the size of the crack or chip. Your windshield will need repairs if:
- The crack is smaller than a dollar bill in length
- There are not more than two connecting hairline cracks
- The chip is an inch or lesser in diameter
3. Depth of the chip
If the chip or damage is only on one surface of the windshield, repairs would be sufficient. However, you will have to replace the glass if the chip has penetrated the PVB layer.
4. Location of the damage
Damage anywhere in the middle of the windshield can be repaired. However, if the damage is along the edges, it will need replacement.
If you are unable to determine the right service, our experts at A Plus Autoglass in Houston, Texas can help you. Contact us now for more queries!